Human Activities

Fishing

Landings
Commercial
Figure App.C.4.4.. A figure showing trends in fishing catch (lbs, left y-axis) and economic value (dollars, right y-axis) for seven major fisheries around the Channel Islands (2000 - 2012).

Figure App.C.4.4.. A figure showing trends in fishing catch (lbs, left y-axis) and economic value (dollars, right y-axis) for seven major fisheries around the Channel Islands (2000 - 2012).

Click for Details Trends over time in commercial fishing activity in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) based on landings pounds (blue bars) and value (dark blue line) for seven fisheries from 2000 to 2012. Landings were combined for twenty-two blocks that overlap substantially with the sanctuary (see Figure App.C4.3. for map). Landings for market squid, sardine, and anchovy declined recently while landings of crabs increased. Landings of sea urchin, spiny lobster, and prawn and shrimp were relatively stable. Figure: Leeworthy et al. 2014a
Recreational
Figure App.C.4.2.. A figure of Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessel (CPFV) trips and anglers per trip accross years (2000 - 2012).

Figure App.C.4.2.. A figure of Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessel (CPFV) trips and anglers per trip accross years (2000 - 2012).

Click for Details Fishing activity landings for Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessels (CPFVs) operating out of ports in Santa Barbara and Ventura from 2000 to 2012. Activity landings in 2011 and 2012 returned to levels seen in the early 2000s. Figure: Chen et al. 2015b
Deep-water
Figure App.C.3.2.. A figure showing fish catch of bottom-dwelling fish, reported from within the Sanctuary from 1985 - 2015.

Figure App.C.3.2.. A figure showing fish catch of bottom-dwelling fish, reported from within the Sanctuary from 1985 - 2015.

Click for Details Landings (in pounds) and the relative contribution of gear types has changed over time due to changing regulations, economics, and consumer demand. Since 2002, there is zero to minimal set net and trawl landings, and reduced landings for bottom longlines and traps until 2008, followed by a dramatic increase in bottom longline and trap landings to peak levels. Data source: CDFW; Figure: P. Etnoyer/NOAA
Maps of Fishing
Trawling
Figure App.C.3.3.. A map showing commercial fishing catch (fish caught by trawling) across the Southern California Bight (2007-2011). Locations of known deep-water corals, which are very vulnerable to trawling, are indicated on the map.

Figure App.C.3.3.. A map showing commercial fishing catch (fish caught by trawling) across the Southern California Bight (2007-2011). Locations of known deep-water corals, which are very vulnerable to trawling, are indicated on the map.

Click for Details Trawling landings across the Southern California Bight, as illustrated by CDFW 10 square kilometer blocks and shown along with known locations of stony deep-water corals. Trawling is known to disturb bottom habitats and deep-sea corals. Even though trawling effort has decreased in recent years, the impacts of this gear type can be long lived. Data source: CDFW, Perry et al 2010; Map: P. Etnoyer/NOAA, Etnoyer et al. 2015
Fixed Gear
Figure App.C.3.4.. A map showing historical fishing activity using fixed gear (a method of fishing) across the Southern California Bight (2007-2011). Locations of known deep-water gorgonians, which are very vulnerable to trawling, are indicated on the map.

Figure App.C.3.4.. A map showing historical fishing activity using fixed gear (a method of fishing) across the Southern California Bight (2007-2011). Locations of known deep-water gorgonians, which are very vulnerable to trawling, are indicated on the map.

Click for Details Historical landings of fixed gear that could impact benthic habitats are shown along with the locations of deep-sea gorgonians in the map above. Fixed gear usage is moderate around the Channel Islands and likely impacts gorgonians in CINMS habitats. Data is from 2007 to 2011. Data source: CDFW, Perry et al 2010; Map: P. Etnoyer/NOAA, Etnoyer et al. 2015
Trawl & Fixed Gear with MPAs
Figure App.C.3.5.. A map showing the locations of both trawling and fixed gear fishing in relation to protected areas (2007-2011) within the Southern California Bight.

Figure App.C.3.5.. A map showing the locations of both trawling and fixed gear fishing in relation to protected areas (2007-2011) within the Southern California Bight.

Click for Details Overlay of trawl and fixed gear fishing activity from 2007 to 2011 and protected areas is shown in the map above. Much of the landings is off the Santa Barbara mainland coast; however, fixed gear usage regularly occurs in sanctuary waters. Data source: CDFW; Map: P. Etnoyer/NOAA

Oil & Gas

Figure App.C.4.17.. A figure showing trends in offshore oil and gas activity in Southern California from 1975 - 2014.

Figure App.C.4.17.. A figure showing trends in offshore oil and gas activity in Southern California from 1975 - 2014.

Click for Details The status and trends of offshore oil and gas activity in southern California was measured using a normalized index of oil and gas production from offshore wells in state and federal waters in California. Activity has been stable over the last five years, but the short-term average was well below the long-term average (dashed green line). A rather steady decrease in oil and gas production has occurred since the mid-1990s. Data source: Annual reports of the California State Department of Conservation’s Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources; Figure: K. Andrews/NOAA
Oil & Gas Maps
Offshore Oil Platforms
Figure App.C.2.1.. A map of offshore oil platforms within the Santa Barbara Channel, from west to east: Hondo, Harmony, Heritage, Holly, C, B, A, Hillhouse, Habitat, Henry, Houchin, Hogan, Rincon Island, Grace, Gilda, Gail, and Gina.

Figure App.C.2.1.. A map of offshore oil platforms within the Santa Barbara Channel, from west to east: Hondo, Harmony, Heritage, Holly, C, B, A, Hillhouse, Habitat, Henry, Houchin, Hogan, Rincon Island, Grace, Gilda, Gail, and Gina.

Click for Details Data source: State of California GeoPortal; Map: M. Cajandig/NOAA
2015 Refugio Oil Spill
Figure App.C.2.3.. A map showing the area around the Santa Barbara Coast affected by the 2015 Refugio Oil Spill.

Figure App.C.2.3.. A map showing the area around the Santa Barbara Coast affected by the 2015 Refugio Oil Spill.

Click for Details Diagonal black lines cover the area where oil sheen was observed after the 2015 Refugio Oil Spill. The dark black line indicates the short-term fishery closures. See Figures C2.4 and C13.5 for the modeled oil transport, which predicts crude oil reaching sanctuary waters, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz islands north-facing beaches days after the spill. Data source: Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique (SCAT) Shoreline Oiling Map. Map: M. Cajandig/NOAA
Figure App.C.2.4.. A map showing projected oil movement following the Refugio Oil Spill in May 2015.

Figure App.C.2.4.. A map showing projected oil movement following the Refugio Oil Spill in May 2015.

Click for Details Modeled oil trajectories based on high frequency (HF) radar and averaged sea surface current vectors during the month of May 2015 (green and blue lines). Yellow triangles represent SCCOOS HF Radar stations, and oil platforms are shown as small gray dots. The HF station at Gaviota was installed immediately after the spill to avoid local data gaps during this critical monitoring time period. It was only active for one and a half months. PTC = Point Conception; RFG = Refugio State Beach; COP = Coal Oil Point; SSD = Summerland Sanitary District; MGS = Mandalay Generating Station; SCI = Santa Cruz Island. Pink lines indicate commercial shipping lanes. The black line encircles the region of interest. Figure: B. Emery and L. Washburn/UCSB
Figure App.C.2.5.. An image of modeled sea surface current directions used to predict oil movement from May 20 to May 25, immediately following the Refugio Oil Spill (2015).

Figure App.C.2.5.. An image of modeled sea surface current directions used to predict oil movement from May 20 to May 25, immediately following the Refugio Oil Spill (2015).

Click for Details Daily snapshots of oil transport simulations (blue dots) based on near-real time sea surface current direction and speeds (black arrows) from May 20 to 25, 2015, the days just after the Refugio oil spill. Yellow triangles represent SCCOOS high frequency radar (HFR) observation stations. PTC = Point Conception; RFG = Refugio State Beach; COP = Coal Oil Point. Not pictured is a HFR station at Gaviota, which was temporarily installed for one and half months following the spill (currently no longer active, see http://washburnlab.msi.ucsb.edu/mtu1) to address local data gaps. Not labeled is the yellow triangle/HFR station on Santa Cruz Island. Pink lines indicated commercial shipping lanes. The full oil transport model simulation can be viewed online. Source: SCCOOS; Figure: B. Emery and L. Washburn/UCSB

Ship Traffic

Traffic Patterns
Figure App.C.4.12.. A map showing traffic patterns of large commercial shipping vessels through the Sanctuary (2008, 2010, 2014).

Figure App.C.4.12.. A map showing traffic patterns of large commercial shipping vessels through the Sanctuary (2008, 2010, 2014).

Click for Details Traffic patterns of large commercial vessels (cargo and tanker vessels) in the Santa Barbara Channel region for 2008, 2010, and 2014. The number of commercial ship transits is shown, using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data transmitted from ships. Vessels transiting to and from the Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach that pass by the northern Channel Islands use either the Santa Barbara Channel Traffic Separation Scheme around the north side of the islands, or take routes south of the islands. Data source: USCG AIS data, processed by NMFS; Figure: MSWGSS 2016
Vessel Groundings
Figure App.C.3.1.. A map showing vessel grounding locations from 1999 to 2016.

Figure App.C.3.1.. A map showing vessel grounding locations from 1999 to 2016.

Click for Details Reported vessel grounding locations from 1999 to 2016 are shown in the map above. Not all groundings in the CINMS database are included as coordinates are unavailable for some grounding events. Data source: Vessel Assist; Map: M. Cajandig/NOAA

Visitors

Figure App.C.4.8. Annual number of visitors brought to Frenchy’s Cove, Anacapa Island, by the Island Packers Company. At south Frenchy’s Cove and adjacent reefs, Island Packers Company conducts classroom programs for school groups typically during winter and spring months. No records are available for the number of private boaters that went ashore at any of the Channel Islands in the park. Figure: Channel Islands National Park

Figure App.C.4.8. Annual number of visitors brought to Frenchy’s Cove, Anacapa Island, by the Island Packers Company. At south Frenchy’s Cove and adjacent reefs, Island Packers Company conducts classroom programs for school groups typically during winter and spring months. No records are available for the number of private boaters that went ashore at any of the Channel Islands in the park. Figure: Channel Islands National Park

**Figure App.C.4.7. Spatial patterns in coastal recreational activity levels in southern California (all activity types combined). Based on a standing internet panel designed to be demographically representative and surveyed 4,492 individuals in select south coast region counties. Activities at Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) included: beach-going (SRI), scenic enjoyment (SRI, SCI, Anacapa, SBI), photography (SRI, SCI, Anacapa), birdwatching (SRI, SCI, SBI), and hiking (SRI, SCI). Figure: Chen et al. 2015c

**Figure App.C.4.7. Spatial patterns in coastal recreational activity levels in southern California (all activity types combined). Based on a standing internet panel designed to be demographically representative and surveyed 4,492 individuals in select south coast region counties. Activities at Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) included: beach-going (SRI), scenic enjoyment (SRI, SCI, Anacapa, SBI), photography (SRI, SCI, Anacapa), birdwatching (SRI, SCI, SBI), and hiking (SRI, SCI). Figure: Chen et al. 2015c

Human Impacts

Acidification

Aragonite saturation
Figure App.E.10.29.. A figure showing the concentration of the mineral aragonite (a form of calcium carbonate) at different depths at Anacapa Island from 2007 - 2014.

Figure App.E.10.29.. A figure showing the concentration of the mineral aragonite (a form of calcium carbonate) at different depths at Anacapa Island from 2007 - 2014.

Click for Details Aragonite saturations are shown at 75 meters (m) (green), 150 m (blue) and 300 m (red) at Anacapa Island. As pH of seawater decreases (e.g., from the deposition of atmospheric CO2), the saturation state of aragonite (Ωarg) decreases. Aragonite undersaturation (Ωarg < 1) favors dissolution over calcification, making it harder for organisms to make and maintain their shells or skeletons in the case of corals. In coastal upwelling zones, such as the California Current, the aragonite saturation state and depth are variable and shallow, respectively. With ocean acidification, aragonite saturation depths have shoaled over the past three decades and are now typically around 200 m in the California Current (Turi et al. 2016). At the local scale at Anacapa Island, the aragonite saturation depth has hovered around 130 m over the past eight years. As strong of a shoaling trend as at the California Current scale has not been seen. Instead, he usual seasonal variation but relatively stable aragonite saturation states over time (no trend), particularly in deep water, have been seen. Figure: Etnoyer et al. 2015

Contaminants

Domoic Acid
Figure App.D.7.1.. A figure showing domoic acid levels in commercially-important crustaceans (triangles) and bivalves (circles) collected from the Santa Barbara Channel (2012 - 2013). Red coloration indiciates that the domic acid levels measured above the California Department of Public Health and U.S. Food and Drug Administration action limits.

Figure App.D.7.1.. A figure showing domoic acid levels in commercially-important crustaceans (triangles) and bivalves (circles) collected from the Santa Barbara Channel (2012 - 2013). Red coloration indiciates that the domic acid levels measured above the California Department of Public Health and U.S. Food and Drug Administration action limits.

Click for Details Domoic acid levels in parts per million (ppm) in commercially-important crustaceans (triangles) and bivalves (circles) collected from the Santa Barbara Channel between 2012 and 2013 are shown on the y-axis for (A) animals collected near the shore of the mainland coast, and (B) animals collected offshore the mainland coast or near the northern Channel Islands. In the cases that are colored red, domoic acid levels measured above the California Department of Public Health and U.S. Food and Drug Administration action limits: 20 ppm for meat and 30 ppm for viscera. Figure: C. Culver/CA Sea Grant, unpublished data
Harmful Algal Bloom (May 2015)
Figure App.D.7.3.. A map showing an unprecedented West Coast-wide harmful algal bloom (HAB) that extended from the Gulf of Alaska to southern California. March 2015 (left, before the HAB) as compared to May (right, during the HAB).

Figure App.D.7.3.. A map showing an unprecedented West Coast-wide harmful algal bloom (HAB) that extended from the Gulf of Alaska to southern California. March 2015 (left, before the HAB) as compared to May (right, during the HAB).

Click for Details In May 2015, an unprecedented West Coast-wide harmful algal bloom (HAB) extended from the Gulf of Alaska to southern California. The bloom was composed of Pseudo-nitzschia, a toxigenic diatom that has the ability to produce domoic acid, a potent neurotoxin that can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) and threaten human health if affected shellfish are consumed. These satellite images show chlorophyll-a estimates averaged over the periods of March 27–31, 2015 (left panel), and May, 6–8, 2015 (right panel). Data source: Satellite data were obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG) using a combination of the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Aqua and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) chlorophyll products. Data were processed using standard OBPG processing with 4 kilometer imagery. Figure: McCabe et al. 2016
Benthic Response Index - Trend by region
Figure App.E.11.10.. A figure showing the relative impact of human activity on the seafloor across different regions of the Southern California Bight, using the Benthic Response Index as an indicator.

Figure App.E.11.10.. A figure showing the relative impact of human activity on the seafloor across different regions of the Southern California Bight, using the Benthic Response Index as an indicator.

Click for Details Comparisons of the Benthic Response Index (BRI), a diversity index of contaminant tolerant and sensitive infauna, among different regions of the Southern California Bight is shown. Island shelf sites (upper right) had been at reference levels (highest ranking) until 2013, when approximately 30 percent of sites were reclassified as low impact. Other regions in the bight did not experience such a large BRI decline as the island shelf, which indicates potential new impacts to sediments around southern California Islands. Figure: K. Schiff/SCCWRP
Benthic Response Index - Trend by site
Figure App.E.11.9.. A map showing the relative impact of human activity on the seafloor across different regions of the Southern California Bight, using the Benthic Response Index as an indicator.

Figure App.E.11.9.. A map showing the relative impact of human activity on the seafloor across different regions of the Southern California Bight, using the Benthic Response Index as an indicator.

Click for Details The Southern California Water Research Project uses a diversity index of tolerant and sensitive infauna, also known as the Benthic Response Index (BRI), to gauge the ecosystem impact from anthropogenic contamination. The map above shows the 2013 locations of samples and the BRI trends at each location. Previously, island sites were all considered 100 percent pristine (reference), but now roughly 70 percent of samples are considered degraded from that status. Decline in BRI was particularly prevalent around Santa Cruz Island. This decline in BRI was not mirrored in other regions in southern California. The most recent samples, collected in 2013, found that ten of the 15 sites in Channel Island National Marine Sanctuary had infaunal community compositions that were shifting towards species more tolerant of degraded conditions (red) compared to the samples collected previously. Data Source: K. Schiff/ SCCWRP; Map: M. Cajandig/NOAA
Benthic Response Index - Condition by site
Figure App.E.11.11.. A map showing sediment sample locations and their respective Benthic Reponse Index sites from a 2013 Southern California Bight-wide survey. The Benthic Response Index is a measure of the impact of humans on the seafloor.

Figure App.E.11.11.. A map showing sediment sample locations and their respective Benthic Reponse Index sites from a 2013 Southern California Bight-wide survey. The Benthic Response Index is a measure of the impact of humans on the seafloor.

Click for Details SCCWRP sediment sample locations and their respective Benthic Response Index (BRI) from the 2013 bight-wide survey are shown in the map. In order to create the BRI, infaunal invertebrate communities are characterized based on the proportion of taxa present in a sample that are sensitive to as opposed to tolerant of contaminant levels. Using a composite score of the infauna community, SCCRWP labels sample sites as reference, low impact, moderate impact, or high impact. Figure: K. Schiff/SCCWRP
DDT in sediments
Figure App.E.11.12.. A map showing DDT contaminant levels in sediments collected across the Southern California Bight in 2008.

Figure App.E.11.12.. A map showing DDT contaminant levels in sediments collected across the Southern California Bight in 2008.

Click for Details Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) contaminant levels in sediment sampling locations during SCCRWP’s 2008 bight-wide survey are shown in the map. DDT is most prominent around the Ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Santa Monica Bay. DDT is a legacy contaminant, which means it persists in the environment long after introduction. A large amount of DDT in the bight came from the dumping of the contaminant by the Montrose Chemical Company off Palos Verdes until the early 1980s, which is why the surrounding areas have high DDT levels. CINMS is relatively far from the spill site and thus, has limited DDT concentrations in sediments. Figure: Schiff et al. 2011
Copper in sediments
Figure App.E11.13.. A map showing copper contaminant levels in sediments collected across the Southern California Bight in 2008.

Figure App.E11.13.. A map showing copper contaminant levels in sediments collected across the Southern California Bight in 2008.

Silver in sediments
Figure App.E11.14..

Figure App.E11.14..

Click for Details Silver contaminant levels in sediment sampling locations during SCCRWP’s 2008 bight-wide survey are shown in the map. Silver is a heavy metal contaminant that in high concentrations can be toxic to living marine resources. Concentrations in CINMS and the Santa Barbara Channel are consistently low compared other regions in the Southern California Bight. High concentrations of silver appear to be clustered off the two largest population centers: Los Angeles and San Diego. Figure: Schiff et al. 2011
PBDEs in sediments
Figure App.E.11.15..

Figure App.E.11.15..

Pyrethroids in sediments
Figure App.E.11.16.. A map showing pyrethroid (insecticide) contaminant levels in sediments collected across the Southern California Bight in 2008.

Figure App.E.11.16.. A map showing pyrethroid (insecticide) contaminant levels in sediments collected across the Southern California Bight in 2008.

Click for Details Pyrethroids contaminant levels in sediment sampling locations during SCCRWP’s 2008 bight-wide survey are shown in the map. Pyrethroids are typically pollutants coming from insecticide use. In recent years, there has been no agriculture on the islands and thus, pyrethroids are absent from CINMS sediments. Sediments adjacent to CINMS off Ventura have low levels of pyrethroids likely due to agriculture in that area. Figure: Schiff et al. 2011
Arsenic in mussels
Figure App.E.11.2.. A figure showing a time series of arsenic found in mussel tissue from Santa Cruz Island from 1986 - 2010.

Figure App.E.11.2.. A figure showing a time series of arsenic found in mussel tissue from Santa Cruz Island from 1986 - 2010.

Click for Details Time series of arsenic (as μg/g dry weight) in Mytilus spp. at Fraser Point, Santa Cruz Island is shown above. Data is from NOAA’s Mussel Watch Program (monitored 1986-2010). Arsenic values have been slowly declining in Mytilus spp tissue. Arsenic can impact a number of enzymes and has a widespread effects on a number of organ systems. There are multiple potential explanations for this finding, including limited spatial resolution, limited recent data, possible return to background levels consistent with the southern California mainland after remediation, or improved instrumentation and analytics that have been developed since data collection began. Due to this, more through research and data collection is required to confirm this trend. Figure: D. Whitall/NOAA, Mussel Watch
Iron in mussels
Figure App.E.11.3.. A figure showing the trends over time of iron found in mussel tissue from Santa Cruz Island from 1986 - 2010.

Figure App.E.11.3.. A figure showing the trends over time of iron found in mussel tissue from Santa Cruz Island from 1986 - 2010.

Click for Details Time series of iron (as μg/g dry weight) in Mytilus spp. at Fraser Point, Santa Cruz Island is shown above. Data is from NOAA’s Mussel Watch Program (monitored 1986–2010). Iron values have been slowly declining in Mytilus spp. tissue. There are multiple potential explanations for this finding, including limited spatial resolution, limited recent data, possible return to background levels consistent with the southern California mainland after remediation, or improved instrumentation and analytics that have been developed since data collection began. Due to this, more through research and data collection is required to confirm this trend. Figure: D. Whitall/NOAA, Mussel Watch
Silver in mussels
Figure App.E.11.4.. A figure showing the trends over time of silver found in mussel tissue from Santa Cruz Island from 1986 - 2010.

Figure App.E.11.4.. A figure showing the trends over time of silver found in mussel tissue from Santa Cruz Island from 1986 - 2010.

Click for Details Time series of silver (as μg/g dry weight) in Mytilus spp. at Fraser Point, Santa Cruz Island is shown above. Data is from NOAA’s Mussel Watch Program (monitored 1986–2010). Silver values have been slowly declining in Mytilus spp. tissue. There are multiple potential explanations for this finding, including limited spatial resolution, limited recent data, possible return to background levels consistent with the southern California mainland after remediation, or improved instrumentation and analytics that have been developed since data collection began. Due to this, more through research and data collection is required to confirm this trend. Figure: D. Whitall/NOAA, Mussel Watch
Heavy metals in mussels
Figure App.E.11.5.. A figure showing a coastwide comparison of heavy metals found in mussel tissue from 1986-2010.

Figure App.E.11.5.. A figure showing a coastwide comparison of heavy metals found in mussel tissue from 1986-2010.

Click for Details This graph is a California coastwide comparison of total extractables (TE) from Mytilus spp. tissue for heavy metals. Data is from NOAA’s Mussel Watch Program (monitored 1986–2010). The horizontal lines of the red box illustrate the 25th, median, and 75th percentiles, while the top and bottom whiskers represent the 10th and 90th percentiles. Black dots are data points from collection sites and the green ellipsoids represent mean concentration values for metals from sites within CINMS (n = 3). There are multiple potential explanations for this finding, including limited spatial resolution, limited recent data, possible return to background levels consistent with the southern California mainland after remediation, or improved instrumentation and analytics that have been developed since data collection began. Due to this, more through research and data collection is required to confirm this trend. Figure: D. Apeti/NOAA, Mussel Watch
PAHs in mussels
Figure App.E.11.6.. A figure showing levels of cancer-causing petroleum-linked chemicals found in the Channel Islands (blue) and offshore sites (red).

Figure App.E.11.6.. A figure showing levels of cancer-causing petroleum-linked chemicals found in the Channel Islands (blue) and offshore sites (red).

Click for Details Mean Total Extractables (TE) for individual Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons or PAHs are compared between Channel Islands (blue) and other offshore sites (red). PAHs are organic contaminants that are carcinogenic. Invertebrate species typically have limited ability to metabolize PAHs; however, they typically do not biomagnify because vertebrates can metabolize them more easily. Concentrations of PAHs are variable, but concentrations at CINMS are usually equivalent, if not lower than other offshore locations. There are multiple potential explanations for this finding, including limited spatial resolution, limited recent data, possible return to background levels consistent with the southern California mainland after remediation, or improved instrumentation and analytics that have been developed since data collection began. Due to this, more through research and data collection is required to confirm this trend. Figure: D. Apeti/NOAA, Mussel Watch

Marine Debris

Figure App.C.4.14.. A graph showing the likelihood of encountering marine debris from 1999 - 2007.

Figure App.C.4.14.. A graph showing the likelihood of encountering marine debris from 1999 - 2007.

Click for Details Marine debris estimates modeled along the mainland southern California coast based on debris measured by the National Marine Debris Monitoring Program. Marine debris was relatively constant across the last five years of this time series (1999-2007) and within historic levels. Data source: Ribic et al. 2012; Figure: K. Andrews/NOAA
Figure App.C.4.15.. A figure showing the percentage of sampling stations with plastic debris across three sampling years.

Figure App.C.4.15.. A figure showing the percentage of sampling stations with plastic debris across three sampling years.

Click for Details Variation over time in percentage of stations from winter CalCOFI cruises with plastic micro-debris. Micro-debris was present in more than 50 percent of samples at each time period. Figure: Gilfillan et al. 2009
Figure App.C.4.16.. A map showing the distribution, concentration, and characteristics of plastic micro-debris in net samples from the CalCOFI region from winter cruises across three sampling years.

Figure App.C.4.16.. A map showing the distribution, concentration, and characteristics of plastic micro-debris in net samples from the CalCOFI region from winter cruises across three sampling years.

Click for Details Spatial distribution, concentration, and characteristics of plastic micro-debris in net samples from the CalCOFI region from winter cruises in (A) 1984, (B) 1994, and (C) 2007. Open circles indicate no plastic debris detected and filled circle diameter are proportional to particle concentrations (number per cubic meter). There was no relationship between the numerical concentration of particles and distance from shore, the presumed source of the majority of debris. Figure: Gilfillan et al. 2009

Noise

Ambient Levels
Figure App.C.4.13.. A graph showing noise levels in the Santa Barbara Channel from 2007 - 2016. 40Hz bands are shown in red, 90Hz bands are shown in blue.

Figure App.C.4.13.. A graph showing noise levels in the Santa Barbara Channel from 2007 - 2016. 40Hz bands are shown in red, 90Hz bands are shown in blue.

Click for Details Ambient noise levels in the Santa Barbara Channel represented as monthly averages for 40 Hz (red) and 90 Hz (blue) bands. The decline in ambient noise levels observed between 2007 and 2010 reflects decreased regional shipping activity during that time. While ambient noise has increased since 2010, it has not returned to the higher levels observed in 2007 to 2008. Data sources: McKenna et al. 2012, J. Hildebrand/ UCSD unpub. data; Figure: J. Hildebrand/SIO UCSD
Monitoring Stations
Figure App.C.2.8.. A map showing the location of historic (green dots) and current (yellow dots) passive acoustic monitoring stations around the Sanctuary and Santa Barbara Channel.

Figure App.C.2.8.. A map showing the location of historic (green dots) and current (yellow dots) passive acoustic monitoring stations around the Sanctuary and Santa Barbara Channel.

Click for Details Previous (green dots) and current (yellow dots) passive acoustic monitoring stations in and around CINMS are shown along with several sources of anthropogenic noise: ports and harbors, oil platforms, shipping lanes, and military testing zones. SIO = Scripps Institution of Oceanography; NOAA NRS = Noise Reference Station. Map: M. Cajandig/NOAA

Seabird disturbance

Figure App.C.4.9. Rates of human-caused disturbance to seabird breeding and roosting sites were low on Santa Cruz Island (SC) compared to other sites across the south coast (SCSR), central coast (CCSR), and north central coast (NCCSR) study regions. Activities noted as causing disturbance at SC in 2012 to 2013 were human power boats, recreational fishing boats, recreational power boats, commercial fishing boats, airplanes, and helicopters. SD = San Diego, PV = Palos Verdes Peninsula, SB = Shell Beach, MD = Montaña de Oro, EB = Estero Bluffs, MO = Montara, PR = Point Reyes, BO = Bodega. Figure: Robinette et al. 2015

Figure App.C.4.9. Rates of human-caused disturbance to seabird breeding and roosting sites were low on Santa Cruz Island (SC) compared to other sites across the south coast (SCSR), central coast (CCSR), and north central coast (NCCSR) study regions. Activities noted as causing disturbance at SC in 2012 to 2013 were human power boats, recreational fishing boats, recreational power boats, commercial fishing boats, airplanes, and helicopters. SD = San Diego, PV = Palos Verdes Peninsula, SB = Shell Beach, MD = Montaña de Oro, EB = Estero Bluffs, MO = Montara, PR = Point Reyes, BO = Bodega. Figure: Robinette et al. 2015

Whale entanglement

Figure App.C.4.10b.. A figure showing confirmed entanglement reports of humpback (blue), gray (green), blue (dark blue), and unidentified (orange) whales along the West Coast from 2000 - 2019.

Figure App.C.4.10b.. A figure showing confirmed entanglement reports of humpback (blue), gray (green), blue (dark blue), and unidentified (orange) whales along the West Coast from 2000 - 2019.

Click for Details Annual number of large whale entanglements reported along the U.S. West Coast. Reports of entanglements have increased in recent years. Factors contributing to this trend likely include an increasing overlap of whale activities (e.g., migrating, feeding) with human activities that have the potential to entangle whales (e.g., fishing, buoy installation) and an increase in on-the-water observers likely to report entangled individuals (e.g., whale watching, recreational boating). Confirmed entanglements from 2000 to 2019 of gray and humpback whales include 11 from Santa Barbara and two from Ventura counties. Figure: D. Lawson/NMFS WCRO PRD
Overlap with Fishing
Blue
Figure App.C.4.11a.. A map showing the risk posed to blue whales from 11 fixed gear fisheries (a type of commercial fishing) in the Southern California Bight.

Figure App.C.4.11a.. A map showing the risk posed to blue whales from 11 fixed gear fisheries (a type of commercial fishing) in the Southern California Bight.

Click for Details Co-occurrence score (risk) based on multi-year average whale density and fishing effort for 11 fisheries is shown for quarters three (Q3) and four (Q4) for blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). In Santa Barbara from July to December, there is an elevated risk area for multiple whale species with the California halibut/white seabass set gillnet, hagfish trap, rock crab trap, sablefish, spiny lobster trap, and spot prawn trap fisheries. Figure: Saez et al. 2013
Fin
Figure App.C.4.11b.. A map showing the risk posed to fin whales from 11 fixed gear fisheries (a type of commercial fishing) in the Southern California Bight.

Figure App.C.4.11b.. A map showing the risk posed to fin whales from 11 fixed gear fisheries (a type of commercial fishing) in the Southern California Bight.

Click for Details Co-occurrence score (risk) based on multi-year average whale density and fishing effort for 11 fisheries is shown for quarters three (Q3) and four (Q4) fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). In Santa Barbara from July to December, there is an elevated risk area for multiple whale species with the California halibut/white seabass set gillnet, hagfish trap, rock crab trap, sablefish, spiny lobster trap, and spot prawn trap fisheries. Figure: Saez et al. 2013
Humpback
Figure App.C.4.11c.. A map showing the risk posed to humpback whales from 11 fixed gear fisheries (a type of commercial fishing) in the Southern California Bight.

Figure App.C.4.11c.. A map showing the risk posed to humpback whales from 11 fixed gear fisheries (a type of commercial fishing) in the Southern California Bight.

Click for Details Co-occurrence score (risk) based on multi-year average whale density and fishing effort for 11 fisheries is shown for quarters three (Q3) and four (Q4) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). In Santa Barbara from July to December, there is an elevated risk area for multiple whale species with the California halibut/white seabass set gillnet, hagfish trap, rock crab trap, sablefish, spiny lobster trap, and spot prawn trap fisheries. Figure: Saez et al. 2013